theguardian.com
Muluneh's "Necessity of Seeing": A Photographic Exploration of UK Society
Aïda Muluneh's "The Necessity of Seeing" is a 22-image photography series created during a month-long UK road trip for the UK City of Culture program, exploring themes of gender, labor, religion, and diaspora, connecting historical and contemporary struggles within Bradford, Belfast, Cardiff, and Glasgow.
- What is the central theme of Aïda Muluneh's "The Necessity of Seeing," and what specific aspects of UK society does it address?
- Aïda Muluneh, an Ethiopian-born artist, created "The Necessity of Seeing," a 22-image series reflecting on her month-long UK road trip. The exhibit, part of the UK City of Culture program, explores themes of gender, labor, and diaspora, connecting historical and contemporary struggles within each city visited.
- How does Muluneh's personal history and experiences as a displaced person inform her artistic approach and interpretation of the UK?
- Muluneh's work interweaves the UK's industrial past with present-day social issues, highlighting the ongoing impact of colonialism and the shared experiences of marginalized communities across different historical periods. The images feature architectural landmarks, reflecting on themes of division and cultural identity.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Muluneh's work, and how might it contribute to conversations around national identity and social justice in the UK?
- Muluneh's artistic approach suggests a potential shift in how we understand national identity, emphasizing shared historical struggles and the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate communities. Her work challenges viewers to consider the legacy of the past and its influence on contemporary social issues in the UK.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on Muluneh's personal journey and artistic process, which shapes the reader's understanding of the UK's social issues through her lens. This approach is not inherently biased, but it limits the scope to her interpretations. The article's focus on Muluneh's feelings of division could subtly emphasize this aspect over others, although it also points to shared challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. While words like "open wound" to describe Belfast are evocative, they're used within a context that acknowledges subjective experience rather than presenting a biased judgment. The article successfully avoids loaded language and maintains a neutral tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on Aïda Muluneh's perspective and experiences, potentially omitting other viewpoints on the social and political issues she addresses. While acknowledging the limitations of scope, a broader range of voices could enrich the narrative. For example, including perspectives from individuals within the communities depicted could offer more nuanced understandings of their experiences.
Sustainable Development Goals
Muluneh's work highlights inequalities and shared challenges across different communities in the UK, promoting dialogue and understanding to address societal divisions. Her focus on women's rights, the impact of industrialization, and the experiences of immigrants fosters empathy and encourages reflection on historical and contemporary injustices, thereby contributing to progress towards reduced inequalities.